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Aaron Kelly
he/him
About
Locations
- All of Victoria
Areas Of Expertise
- Advocacy and Inclusion
- Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces
- Diversity and Identity
- Identity and Faith
- Intersectionality and Diversity
- LGBTIQA+ Awareness and Inclusion
Presentation Topics
- Awareness storytelling
- Faith
- Family
- Healing and Compassion
- Hope for the Future
- Inclusion
- Leadership
- LGBTIQA+ Advocacy
- Power and Privilege
- Preventing Future Harm
- Rainbow Families
Open to Negotiating Fees
Yes
Biography
Born and raised within the confines of evangelical Christianity, Aaron Kelly once fervently believed that being LGBTQ was incompatible with his faith. Manipulated by false teachings and misinterpreted scriptures, he grappled with the internal conflict of reconciling his sexuality with his religious beliefs. Through conversion practices Aaron was led to believe that healing to his sexuality would come from taking a step of faith, and he was encouraged to marry a woman. When this miracle didn’t eventuate, Aaron felt trapped in a life that was not his own. Aaron became an evangelical pastor and together with his wife planted a church.
After having several LGBTQ individuals begin attending their church, and having policies that allowed them to attend, but restricted serving and leading, Aaron began to see injustice and exclusionary practices that he felt didn’t reflect God’s love. Delving into a deep study of the Bible, not for personal enlightenment but to address these discriminatory policies within his church, Aaron began to question the validity of the teachings he had been indoctrinated with himself. However, the journey towards self-acceptance was fraught with challenges. Feeling trapped and hopeless, he attempted to take his own life before finding the courage to come out. Subsequently, he faced the loss of his job, excommunication from his community, and loss of everything he once held dear.
Yet, from the closet of adversity, Aaron has boldly come out with a newfound purpose—to advocate for LGBTQ rights and challenge the harmful practices of conversion therapy and religious trauma. Today, as an outspoken advocate, Aaron uses his platform to shed light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals within religious communities. Through his work, he strives to create a more inclusive and accepting environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued and accepted. At the age of 36, Aaron started life again and has worked hard to move from his vocation of ministry and church leadership to develop a career in which he currently sits in an executive leadership role for a national commercial facility services company.
Aaron's journey from self-denial to self-acceptance is a beacon of hope for those still navigating the complexities of faith and identity, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves and stand tall in the face of adversity.
Experience
Aaron has over 12+ years of weekly public speaking engagements from his church background as well as being a travelling speaker speaking at largescale Christian events around the world to audiences of up to 10,000 people at times.
Since coming out Aaron has spoken at various events, had his story featured on Network 10's The Project, and worked with Equality Australia sharing his experiences of conversion therapy.
The Project:
https://youtu.be/dNMaWv1nAMI?si=nfMNEIJVRfA5RCtu
Podcast:
https://youtu.be/tTVS-FnBX2Q?si=x9d4sQs3TkAB5_ai
